Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, speaker of the National Assembly, yesterday received Mayor Herbert George Williams of the city of Freetown, at her office at the Assembly Chambers in Banjul.

The Freetown mayor and his delegation were led to the speaker’s office by Samba Faal, mayor of Banjul. Receiving the delegation, Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay briefed Mayor Williams on several issues such as the functions of the National Assembly as well as the country’s leadership. She pointed out the excellent working relations between the opposition and ruling members in the assembly, saying "we are one family and working for the interest of the Gambian population despite the political differences."

According to her, this is exactly what President Jammeh wants. She stressed that the trend will continue under her leadership. She hailed the leadership qualities of President Jammeh, describing him as a champion of women’s rights. "In The Gambia, the women are highly recognised under President Jammeh’s administration. This has been manifested by the number of women in the cabinet and many other top government positions. President Jammeh is therefore the advocate de la femme. Now we have almost reached the Beijing Platform Target," she stated.

Speaker FJC went on to inform Mayor Williams of the US$10 million state-of-the-art National Assembly complex that is in the pipeline. This, she said, was part of President Jammeh’s vision. Speaker FJC expressed delight over the Freetown mayor’s visit, noting the excellent working relationship that has long existed between The Gambia and Sierra Leone, dating back to the colonial days.  

According to FJC, Africa has a bright future, which lies in the hands of today’s leaders. She urged the two mayors to work hand in glove, and to share their experiences for the betterment of the two countries. Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, majority leader and NAM for Serrekunda West, welcomed the visiting mayor to The Gambia. He also dilated on the cordial relationship that exists between Banjul and Freetown. He told Mayor Williams of President Jammeh’s leadership qualities, which, he noted, had resulted into the transformation of the country from 1994 to date.

He also praised the current Gambian speaker for her leadership qualities. He said that The Gambia is now the beacon of hope in Africa, and will soon realize her Silicon Valley dream. Honourable Momodou Sanneh, minority leader and NAM for Kiang West, also spoke on the excellent relationship between Banjul and Freetown. He however expressed regret over the unfortunate war that engulfed Sierra Leone in the past.

Honourable Sanneh also confirmed the excellent working relationship between the members of both sides of the political divide in the country’s National Assembly. He also expressed hope that the two mayors will work closely for the benefit of the two cities.
Abdoulie Saine, NAM for Banjul Central, expressed similar sentiments. He observed that The Gambia and Sierra Leone have the same traditions.

Mayor Samba Faal of Banjul thanked Speaker FJC for receiving "Banjul City Council’s special guest." He used the opportunity to inform Mayor Williams of the important role Speaker FJC played as the first female deputy mayor of Banjul. He described her as a strong advocate of democracy and someone who cherishes President Jammeh’s leadership qualities. He also informed the mayor of the important role the National Assembly members are playing.

Mayor Faal thanked his Freetown counterpart for the visit and assured him of his office’s readiness to continue working to strengthen the already excellent relations between Banjul and Freetown. For his part, Mayor Herbert George Williams thanked the speaker for according them audience. He equally dilated on the long standing relations between the two countries, saying "The Gambia and Sierra Leone have a long standing political and cultural bond”.

On behalf of the people of Freetown, he expressed sincere thanks to his Gambian counterpart, the country’s leadership, and Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay for the warm welcome accorded him and his delegation, and promised to reciprocate the gesture in the near future. He also promised to work hand in glove with his Gambian counterpart in the interest of the two states.